big money
BBC antiques show’s biggest ever mistake saw rare vase valued at hundreds of pounds sell for £53 million
The piece collected dust until an incredible discovery was made
A HUGE mistake saw a vase valued at hundreds of pounds go on to sell for a whopping £53million.
Airing in the 1960s and 1970s, BBC programme Going for a Song was somewhat of a precursor to the Antiques Roadshow.
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Although the porcelain vase dates back to the Qing dynasty - mid 18th century - this went undiscovered on the BBC programme.
A British couple brought the piece to Going for A Song, which was most notably presented by Max Robertson.
The pair were ultimately disappointed to hear the vase branded a "very clever reproduction".
It then wound up collecting dust in an attic for four decades - until the owners died.
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At this point, their relatives recovered the piece and pursued a new valuation in 2010.
Here, experts at Bainbridges Auction House saw the vase for what it was worth.
David Reay, reproduction manager, said: "They told me it had been valued at just £800 two months earlier.
"They also mentioned that it had been appraised on Going for a Song about 40 years ago, where it was deemed a reproduction."
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Experts at the time said the 1740 Qing dynasty vase had been looted by British and French soldiers from the Summer Palace in Peking during the Second Opium War occupied by Emperor Xianfeng.
Originally, it was re-valued at £1million although the price soon increased as buyers raced to claim the historical artefact.
My pocket watch has been in my family for 140 years - I was stunned Antiques Roadshow said a lever detail makes it $10k
The final price ended up being an incredible £43million from an anonymous buyer.
This ultimately totals £53,105,000 when VAT and commission is added on.
Going for a Song initially ran from 1965 to 1977, with Arthur Negus appearing as the resident expert alongside host Max Robertson.
Chat show legend Sir Michael Parkinson hosted a revival of the series from 1995 to 1999.
Antiques Roadshow presenters through the years
Antiques Roadshow launched all the way back in 1979 and has become a staple BBC programme. Here is a look at those who have hosted the show over the years.
- Bruce Parker (1979): Journalist and presenter Bruce Parker was the original host of Antiques Roadshow when the programme debuted.
- Angela Rippon (1979): Broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon briefly took up the hosting reins in 1979.
- Arthur Negus (1979-1983): The first long-term presenter, the television personality and antiques expert had a four-year stint with the show. He died in 1985, two years after leaving Antiques Roadshow.
- Hugh Scully (1981-2000): Hugh, a journalist, radio and television presenter, is the longest-serving presenter of Antiques Roadshow. He died in 2015, at the age of 72.
- Michael Aspel (2000-2008): Retired presenter and newsreader Michael Aspel hosted Antiques Roadshow for eight years. He is also known for his work on shows including This Is Your Life and Crackerjack.
- Fiona Bruce (2008 - present): The current host, journalist, newsreader and presenter Fiona joined the BBC show in 2008. She remains the ongoing presenter to this day.
He was succeeded by Anne Robinson, known for The Weakest Link, in 2000.
Meanwhile, Michael Aspel was the final host, serving from 2001 to 2002.
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Antiques Roadshow launched in 1979, with current presenter Fiona Bruce taking over in 2008.
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
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